DMM TOC > 400 Discount Parcels > 450 Parcel Post456 Enter and Deposit1.0 Verification and Deposit1.1 Verification and EntryAll presorted destination entry and barcode discount mailings must be presented for verification and acceptance at the post office where the permit or license is held. All such mailings must be deposited at locations and times specified by the postmaster or designee at the office that verifies and accepts the mailing. Plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings must be presented for verification, acceptance, and entry under 705.15.0. Plant-loaded mailings must be presented as specified by the applicable standards and the plant load agreement. Metered mail may be deposited at other than the licensing post office only as permitted under 705.18.0. 1.2 Office of MailingParcel Post must be mailed at the post office from which the zone rate postage was computed, except under 1.3 and 1.4. 1.3 Redirected MailingsA mailer who presents large mailings of zoned Parcel Post mail may be authorized or directed to deposit such mailings at another postal facility when processing or logistics make such an alternative desirable for the USPS, subject to these conditions: a. Zoned postage need not be recomputed if both the original post office of mailing and the alternative facility use the same zone chart for computing zoned postage, based on the 3-digit prefix of their ZIP Codes. b. Postage must be recomputed on pieces in mailings redirected to a postal facility that uses a different zone chart for computing zoned postage. c. Postage for pieces claimed at the Parcel Post Intra-BMC local zone rates must be recomputed at the applicable zone rate for the alternative postal facility. Postage also may be recomputed for other pieces that are ineligible for the Parcel Post Intra-BMC local zone rates but could become eligible at the postal facility to which the mailing is redirected. 1.4 BMC AcceptanceA mailer may present Parcel Post at a BMC for acceptance if: a. Metered postage is paid through a postage meter licensed at the BMC parent post office, or permit imprint postage is paid through an advance deposit account at the BMC parent post office or another post office in the BMC service area, unless otherwise permitted by standard. b. Zoned postage is computed from the BMC parent post office. c. The BMC is authorized by Form 4410 to act as acceptance agent for the entry post office. 1.5 Drop Shipment InformationEssential information for entering drop shipment Parcel Post mailings at specific postal facilities can be found in the Drop Shipment Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.1 for address). 2.0 Parcel Select2.1 DefinitionsParcel Select is destination entry Parcel Post. Destination entry discounts apply to Parcel Post mailings prepared as specified in 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets, and 455.4.0, Preparing Parcel Post, and addressed for delivery within the service area of a destination bulk mail center, sectional center facility, or delivery unit where they are deposited by the mailer. For this standard, the following destination facility definitions apply: a. A destination bulk mail center (DBMC) includes all bulk mail centers (BMCs) and auxiliary service facilities (ASFs) under L601 and L602, and designated sectional center facilities (SCFs) under 2.5, Acceptance at Designated SCF—USPS Benefit. b. A destination sectional center facility (DSCF) includes all facilities listed under L005. c. A destination delivery unit (DDU) is a facility that delivers to the addresses appearing on the deposited pieces in a destination entry rate Parcel Post mailing. Refer to the Drop Shipment Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.1 for address) to determine the location of a 5-digit delivery facility. Use L606 only for mailings prepared using the optional 5-digit scheme sort. 2.2 Rate Eligibility for Parcel Select Rates2.2.1 Basic StandardsFor Parcel Select rates, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 2.0 and the following criteria: a. Pieces may be bedloaded, on pallets, in pallet boxes on pallets, in sacks, or in other authorized containers as specified in 2.3 through 2.6, depending on the facility at which the pieces are deposited. b. Pieces may not be plant-loaded. c. Pieces must be part of a single mailing of 50 or more pieces that are eligible for and claimed at any Parcel Post rate. When Parcel Post mailings are submitted under PVDS procedures, mailers may use the total of all line items for all destinations on a PVDS register or PVDS postage statement to meet the 50-piece minimum volume requirement for destination entry rate mailings. This means that a mailer may enter fewer than 50 pieces at an individual destination, provided there is a total of at least 50 Parcel Post pieces for all of the entry points for that single mailing job listed on the PVDS register or PVDS postage statement. d. Pieces must be deposited at a destination BMC or destination ASF or other equivalent facility, destination SCF, or destination delivery unit, as applicable for the rate claimed and as specified by the USPS. e. Pieces must be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code ranges that the applicable entry facility serves. 2.2.2 DBMC RatesFor DBMC rates, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 2.1 through 2.6 and the following: a. Pieces must be part of a Parcel Post mailing that is deposited at a BMC or ASF under L601 or L602. b. Machinable parcels must bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP Code of the delivery address. Nonbarcoded machinable parcels are eligible only for the Intra-BMC/ASF rates. c. Except as provided in Exhibit 2.2.2, BMC/ASF—DBMC Rate Eligibility, pieces deposited at each BMC or ASF must be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code range of that facility. d. Pieces must be within a ZIP Code eligible for DBMC rates under Exhibit 2.2.2 and, if sacked or palletized, must be prepared according to 455.4.0, Preparing Parcel Post, and 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets. Mail meeting the additional criteria in 2.5 or 2.6 may be deposited at an SCF. Exhibit 2.2.2 BMC/ASF—DBMC Rate Eligibility
2.2.3 DSCF and DDU RatesFor DSCF and DDU rates, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 2.1 through 2.6 and the following criteria: a. For DSCF rates, be part of a mailing of parcels sorted to 5-digit scheme or 5-digit destinations and deposited at a designated SCF under L005. Nonmachinable parcels sorted to 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes and claimed at a DSCF rate must be entered at the designated SCF under L005. Mailers must not prepare mail on pallets or pallet boxes for the DSCF rate if the 5-digit delivery facility is unable to handle pallets. Refer to the Drop Shipment Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.1) to determine which 5-digit delivery facilities can handle pallets or pallet boxes. When the Drop Shipment Product shows that mail for a single 5-digit ZIP Code area is delivered out of more than one postal facility, use the facility where the majority of city carrier routes are located to determine if the delivery facility can handle pallets. b. For DDU rates, be part of a Parcel Select mailing deposited at a designated DDU facility that delivers parcels to the addresses appearing on the pieces. There is no required minimum number of pieces that must be deposited for the DDU rate and no specific preparation requirements; however, the pieces must be part of a mailing of at least 50 Parcel Select rate pieces and must be prepared by 5-digit scheme (optional) and 5-digit sorts. To determine the location for entry of 5-digit scheme sorted pieces, use Column B of L606. To determine the location for entry of 5-digit sorted pieces or whether a 5-digit delivery facility can handle pallets (or pallet boxes), refer to the Drop Shipment Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.1). When the Drop Shipment Product shows that mail for a single 5-digit ZIP Code area is delivered out of more than one postal facility, use the facility from which the majority of city carrier routes are delivered as the facility at which the DDU mail must be entered. The Drop Shipment Product identifies the 5-digit ZIP Codes that are exceptions to the "majority of city carriers rule" or other facilities where parcels are normally dropped. If a mailer transports mail to a DDU facility that cannot handle pallets, the driver must unload the pallets into containers as specified by the delivery unit. 2.2.4 Postage PaymentPostage payment for Parcel Select mailings is subject to the same standards that apply generally to Parcel Post and to the following: a. Mailers must pay postage and correct mailing fees at each Post Office where they are authorized to present mailings for verification unless using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) under 705.2.9. Except for plant-verified drop shipments (see 705.15.0), eVS shipments (see 705.2.9), or metered mail drop shipments (see 705.18.0), mailers must have a meter license or permit imprint authorization at the parent Post Office for mailings deposited for entry at a DBMC or ASF, at a DSCF, or at a DDU. Correct mailing fees must be paid for the current 12-month period at the Postal Service facility where postage is paid for the mailing. b. Mailers who mail parcels paid with a permit imprint and claimed at Parcel Select rates may use eVS under 705.2.9. Mailers using eVS must pay postage and fees at the Post Office where they hold the permit used for all eVS mailings. 2.2.5 BMC as AgentThe DBMC may act as acceptance agent only for its parent post office (see Exhibit 2.2.5) and only if authorized by Form 4410 for each mailer depositing DBMC entry rate mail. Exhibit 2.2.5 BMC/ASF Parent Post Office
2.3 Preparing Parcel Select2.3.1 Bedloaded ParcelsA mailer may present bedloaded DBMC parcels if the mailer's vehicle has a road-to-bed height of 50 (�2) inches. If applicable, the mail to be entered at different destinations must be separated to prevent mixing of mailings for deposit at different destinations. DBMC rate mailings may be bedloaded for deposit at BMCs/ASFs and DDU rate mailings may be bedloaded for deposit at DDUs. Refer to the Drop Shipment Product available from the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.1 for address) to determine dock requirements for a DDU facility. 2.3.2 ContainersDBMC rate mailings (if not bedloaded), DDU rate mailings (if not bedloaded), and all DSCF rate mailings must be prepared as follows: a. Machinable parcels for which a DBMC, DSCF, or DDU rate is claimed must be sacked under 455.4.0, Preparing Parcel Post, or prepared on pallets under 705.8.0. b. For DBMC rate, nonmachinable parcels that each weigh 35 pounds or less must be sacked under 455.4.0, Preparing Parcel Post, if the parcels do not contain perishables and the size of the parcels allows a sack to hold at least two pieces. DBMC rate nonmachinable parcels that cannot be sacked in this manner or that weigh more than 35 pounds must be transported as outside (unsacked) pieces. If authorized in advance by the USPS, DBMC rate nonmachinable parcels may be palletized. c. For DSCF rate, if sacked under 455.4.0, Preparing Parcel Post, must contain at least seven pieces per sack. If the sack is overflow from a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit sack that contains at least seven pieces, then a sack may contain fewer than seven pieces. For DSCF rate, if sacked under 705.8.0 as overflow from a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit pallet that meets the applicable pallet minimum, may contain any number of pieces. Machinable and nonmachinable pieces may be included in the same sack. d. For DSCF rate, 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, and 3-digit sacks may be bedloaded or be placed on SCF pallets that are labeled and otherwise prepared under 705.8.0. e. For DSCF rate and DDU rate, nonmachinable parcels may be palletized (including pallet boxes on pallets). Nonmachinable parcels may be combined with machinable parcels on 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, and 3-digit pallets (including pallet boxes on pallets) claimed at DSCF or DDU rates under 705.8.0. f. For DDU rate, there are no minimums for sacks, pallets, or pallet boxes on pallets. DDU rate mail must be separated by 5-digit scheme and 5-digit (even if bedloaded) and, if placed in sacks or on pallets (including boxes on pallets), it must be properly labeled to the 5-digit scheme or 5-digit destination. Machinable and nonmachinable pieces may be combined in 5-digit scheme and 5-digit sacks or on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets (including pallet boxes). 2.4 Deposit for Parcel Select2.4.1 Mailer TransportThe mailer must transport the PVDS mailing from the place where it was verified to the destination postal facility (BMC, SCF, or delivery unit), appropriate to the mailing and the rate claimed. 2.4.2 FreightDrop shipments are freight until deposited and accepted as mail at the destination facility. The mailer may request use of a numbered PVDS band seal to secure mailer vehicles transporting plant-verified drop shipments. 2.4.3 Mail Separation and PresentationMailers must have Parcel Select mailings verified under an authorized PVDS system (see 705.15.0) or eVS (see 705.2.9), or they must present mailings for verification and acceptance at a BMEU located at a designated destination Postal Service facility. Mailers may deposit only PVDS and eVS mailings at a destination delivery unit not co-located with a Post Office or other Postal Service facility with a business mail entry unit. If authorized under 705.7.0, mailers may commingle Parcel Select with other approved parcel mail using eVS. Mailers presenting destination entry mailings to the Postal Service must meet the following requirements: a. Mark each DBMC, DSCF, or DDU rate Parcel Post piece as either "Parcel Post" or "Parcel Select," according to 402.2.2. If eVS is used, include the marking "eVS" on each piece as described in 604.5.0. b. Separate DBMC rate mailings by zone for permit imprint mailings of identical-weight pieces that are not mailed using a special postage payment system under 705.2.0 through 705.4.0, or that are not mailed under 455.1.4. c. Ensure that all PVDS mailings are accompanied by a completed Form 8125, 8125-C, or 8125-CD. eVS mailings do not require these forms. d. Separate each mailing from other mailings for verification. For PVDS mailings and eVS mailings, separate mailings for deposit at different destination Postal Service facilities. e. Separate mail from freight transported on the same vehicle. f. If Periodicals mail is on the same vehicle as Parcel Post, load the Periodicals mail toward the tail of the vehicle. 2.4.4 BMC as AgentThe DBMC may verify and accept mail if authorized by Form 4410 to act as agent for the parent post office where the mailer's account or license is held. 2.4.5 AppointmentsAppointments must be made for destination entry rate mail as follows: a. Except for local mailers, for mailings of perishable commodities (601.9.0) under 2.4.6, Exception to Scheduling Standard, appointments for deposit of destination entry rate mail at BMCs, ASFs, and SCFs must be scheduled through the appropriate appointment control center at least one day in advance. Same day appointments may be granted by a control center on the basis of a telephone request. All appointments for BMC loads must be scheduled by the appropriate BMC control center. Appointments for SCFs and ASFs must be scheduled through the appropriate district control center. Appointments may be made up to thirty (30) calendar days prior to a desired appointment date. Mailers must comply with the scheduled mail deposit time and location. The mailer must cancel any appointment by notifying the appropriate control center at least a day in advance of a scheduled appointment time. b. Electronic appointments may be made by mailers/agents using a USPS-issued computer logon ID. Electronic appointments or cancellations must be made at least 12 hours prior to the desired time and date. All information required by the USPS appointment system regarding a mailing must be furnished. c. For deposit of DDU mailings, an appointment must be made by contacting the DDU at least 24 hours in advance. If the appointment must be canceled, a mailer must notify the DDU at least a day in advance of a scheduled appointment. Recurring (standing) appointments will be allowed if shipment frequency is weekly or more often. 2.4.6 Exception to Scheduling Standarda. The scheduling standard in 2.4.5, Appointments, does not apply when a mailer deposits mailings for verification and acceptance at the local post office serving the facility where the mail was prepared, if the mailings are not verified under a plant load authorization or plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system authorization. Under this exception, the mailer may claim the DBMC rates for mailings or portions of such mailings deposited at the local post office if the local post office is the DBMC/ASF or designated SCF that meets the application standards. b. Exceptions to the scheduling standard are made for shipments of products recognized by USPS as perishables under 601.9.0. While an appointment is not required for shipments of perishables, the destination facility must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of deposit to facilitate timely handling of the load. 2.4.7 Redirection by USPSA mailer may be directed to transport destination entry rate mailings to a facility other than the designated DDU, SCF, or BMC due to facility restrictions, building expansions, peak season mail volumes, or emergency constraints. 2.4.8 Advance SchedulingMailers must schedule appointments for deposit of destination entry rate mail under 2.4.5 and the conditions below. When making an appointment, or as soon as available, the mailer must provide the control center or DDU with the following information: a. Mailer's name and address and telephone number of the mailer's agent or local contact. b. Description of what is being mailed, product name, number of mailings, volume of mail, how prepared, and whether containerized (e.g., pallets). For DDU entries, the mailer also must provide the 5-digit ZIP Code(s) of the mail being deposited. c. Where the mailing was verified. e. Requested date and destination facility for mailing. f. Vehicle identification number, size, and type. 2.4.9 Deposit ConditionsDeposit of mail also is subject to these conditions: a. Destination facilities may refuse mailings that are unscheduled or late (i.e., if vehicles arrive more than 2 hours after the scheduled appointment at ASFs, BMCs, or SCFs and more than 20 minutes late at delivery units). If a mailing is refused, a mailer is permitted to make a new appointment. b. The BMC may approve drop and pick procedures only for Parcel Select mailers. The BMC specifies the time limit for vehicle retrieval. 2.4.10 Recurring AppointmentsRecurring refers to a drop shipment that is delivered to a destination office with a frequency of at least once a week on the same time and day(s). Mailings must be of a comparable product in terms of mail class, size, volume, and containerization (pallets, pallet boxes, etc.). A request to establish recurring appointments must be written on company letterhead to the postal facility manager/postmaster. The drop shipment appointment control office/postmaster will respond to all requests within 10 days. Recurring appointments may be made for a period not to exceed 6 months. Thereafter, a new application must be submitted to ensure that up-to-date mailer information is on file. Written request for an additional 6 months may be made within 60 days prior to the expiration of a current arrangement. Failure to adhere to scheduled appointments or other abuse of the procedures will result in revocation of recurring appointment privileges. Requests for recurring appointments must include the following: a. Name, address, and telephone number of the mailer. b. Transportation agent's name (contact person) and telephone number(s). c. Mail volume and preparation (sacks/parcels). e. Size and type of trailer(s) transporting mail. 2.4.11 Vehicle UnloadingUnloading of destination entry mailings is subject to these conditions: a. Properly prepared containerized loads (e.g., pallets) are unloaded by the USPS at BMCs, ASFs, and SCFs. The USPS does not unload or permit the mailer (or mailer agent) to unload palletized loads that are unstable or severely leaning or that have otherwise not maintained their integrity in transit. b. The driver must unload bedloaded shipments within 8 hours of arrival at BMCs, ASFs, and SCFs. Combination containerized and bedloaded drop shipment mailings are classified as bedloaded shipments for unload times. The USPS may assist in unloading. c. At destination delivery units (DDUs), drivers must unload all mail, whether bedloaded, sacked, or palletized (including boxes on pallets), within 1 hour of arrival. Unloading procedures are as follows: 1. If pallets or pallet boxes are stacked, drivers must unload, unstrap, and unstack them. 2. When drivers unload containerized mail, delivery unit employees may require drivers to place the containers together by 5-digit ZIP Codes or 5-digit schemes. 3. When mail is not containerized or on pallets, drivers must place the mail into containers as delivery unit employees specify. Delivery unit employees may require drivers to place mail into containers to separate mail by 5-digit ZIP Codes or 5-digit schemes. 4. At DDUs that cannot handle pallets, drivers must unload any mail from pallets and place it into containers as delivery unit employees specify. d. When driver unloading is required, the driver or assistant must stay with and continue to unload the vehicle once at the dock. e. The driver must remove the vehicle from USPS property after unloading. The driver and assistant are not permitted in USPS facilities except the dock and designated driver rest area. 2.4.12 DemurrageThe USPS is not responsible for demurrage or detention charges incurred by a mailer who presents destination rate mailings. 2.4.13 AppealsMailers who believe that they are denied equitable treatment may appeal to the manager, Customer Service (district), responsible for the destination postal facility. 2.4.14 DocumentationA postage statement must accompany each destination entry rate mailing. Any other documentation must be submitted as required by the standards for the rate claimed or the postage payment method used. 2.5 Acceptance at Designated SCF—USPS BenefitA mailing that is otherwise eligible for the DBMC rate may be deposited and accepted at an SCF designated by the USPS when it benefits the USPS and: a. The mailing contains only machinable parcels prepared in 5-digit scheme and 5-digit sacks, pallets, or containers and nonmachinable parcels prepared under 2.3.2, Containers. b. All DBMC rate parcels are for delivery within the service area of the SCF at which they are deposited by the mailer. c. Postage on all parcels deposited at the SCF is computed using the zone chart for that postal facility. d. The marking required by 455.4.0, Preparing Parcel Post, contains the correct information. e. The mailer is directed to deposit the mailing at that SCF by the district control center in whose area is located the BMC or ASF where the DBMC parcels would otherwise be deposited. 2.6 Acceptance at Designated SCFMailers may deposit parcels otherwise eligible for the DBMC rates at an SCF designated by the USPS for destination ZIP Codes listed in labeling list L607. The following standards apply: a. Eligible machinable parcels are restricted to the ZIP Codes listed in L607. b. Bound Printed Matter machinable parcels under 466.4.3 and Standard Mail parcels and NFMs under 705.6.3 may be included. c. Mailers must prepare parcels on 3-digit pallets or in 3-digit pallet boxes, or unload and physically separate the parcels into containers specified by the destination facility. Parcels are eligible for the applicable DBMC entry rate. d. All DBMC rate parcels must be for delivery within the service area of the SCF where they are deposited by the mailer. e. Postage on all parcels deposited at the SCF is computed using the zone chart for that postal facility. f. Parcels must contain the correct marking in 455.4.0, Preparing Parcel Post.
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